“Liola is a bully,” Kyan said, nodding toward the group of three. “I’ve known her since I was a child. She used to try to beat me up, sometimes she did.”
I shrugged, not caring about her at all. Normally I’d be simmering with rage but I felt great, more than great. Until this Liola decided to march my way. Here we go.
“So the Fifth Years think they’re welcome to party with us now?”
I sized her up. She and I were about the same height and weight, though she had thicker legs than me. Her red hair hung loosely down her chest and back and the gleam in her dark eyes was one of hatred.
“I was invited,” I said nonchalantly. I found girls like her hated it even more when I stayed calm and acted as if they weren’t worth my time. “I didn’t ask nor do I need your permission to be here. And you should address me as your highness.”
Legacy stepped closer to me, a subtle protective gesture. She’d protect me with her life, not only because I was her princess, but her family too.
The redhead’s two minions trailed after her and folded their arms, each had a metal mug in hand. The blonde one scowled. “Watch it princess or you’ll wind up with scars on that pretty face.”
Even the joy-enchanted treats couldn’t stop my anger now. “Come near me and I’ll do more than scar your face.”
Taking a step closer but staying out of range Liola touched her sword.
I tensed, readying myself to spur into action. If she drew that thing I’d blast her across the little party before it even left the sheath.
“Just because you’re a princess doesn’t mean I won’t slit your throat in your sleep or perhaps even now.”
“Empty threats as usual.” Kyan lazily pointed to where she’d come from. “Why don’t you skitter along now, Liola. You’re boring me.”
I swore I could see flames flicker in her eyes. “You always were an ass.”
Half his pretty mouth turned up. “And yet you keep coming back for more.”
That did it, her cheeks flamed with color and she stamped away swearing and complaining to her two friends.
“History with that one?” I asked.
His eyes fell to my face. “We may have had a brief liaison but it’s been over for a long time.”
“Too bad she didn’t try anything, I’d have liked to kick her teeth in,” Legacy said, smirking.
A group of boys standing by a table full of drink cups yelled at Kyan and waved at him. “I’ll be right back.” He looked pointedly at me then Legacy, “Stay out of trouble for a couple minutes, will you?”
“We can’t help it if trouble seems to find us,” Legacy said with a laugh.
It was minutes before a boy seemed to come out of nowhere, giving me the most peculiar smirk as he approached. When he looked me up and down, I had the strangest feeling that I’d seen him before, something about his dark hair and that arrogant set to his jaw was familiar, but I couldn’t remember ever meeting him. That was two people now I swore I’d met but didn’t recall. His eyes roamed over me and lingered longer on my neck than was normal. “Interesting. I thought Kyan said you were off-limits and yet he brings you here and leaves you alone with your pretty friend.”
“Who are you?” I made sure to sound bored. “And why are you talking to me?”
“They said that tongue of yours was sharp.” I hated the way his eager gaze wouldn’t leave me. “I like a little fight in a woman.” The longer he stood near, the more I realized there was something dark and dangerous about his presence. A blackness almost rolled off of him, seeping and infecting things around him. And somehow I knew he wasn’t—human. Fear trickled into my veins and I wondered if Legacy noticed it too.
“You’re so far out of your league,” Legacy said as if he wasn’t worth wasting her breath, “and your attempt at conversation is not hitting the mark. It’s creepy actually.”
Then this bastard leaned in and sniffed me. Sniffed me. “Mmm the smell of fear and magic, my favorite.”
His cool breath oozed down my neck and I shoved him in the chest as hard as I could with an extra push of magic that sent him stumbling ten feet. “Back off.”
In a blur, Kyan was in front of Legacy and me, a low snarl thundered in his throat. Legacy and I exchanged a wary look. I wasn’t sure that either one of them was human at this point. I’d never heard a human growl like that.
“I told you to stay away, Senica. Off-limits,” Kyan barked, and they stared at each other in a clear power struggle. I couldn’t see Kyan’s face but I imagined a calm rage. With Liola, Kyan didn’t act like she was a real threat but it was evident Senica was.
My eyes flicked back and forth between them and tension steadily grew. Off-limits? Like he claimed me?
“Or what? You can’t bring her here and say she’s not fair game. I told you before her scent is too alluring.”
My scent? I was ninety-nine percent sure he was a vampire after that. Had I known my being here would cause so many problems, I’d have gone to my room and went to sleep. But since I was here, I’d had enough of this prick’s disrespect and pulled my sword, the ring of it leaving the scabbard drew the attention of some around us. I pointed the tip of it at him. “Don’t talk about me like I’m some whore. You want a game? Pull that weapon and let’s see what you’re made of.”
“Oooooh,” a group of spectators jeered.
“Or.” I jumped at the male voice behind me. “Fight me. I was just getting warmed up in the tournament.”
I turned to find Zyacus and Aric both simmering with wrath. Aric slowly stepped toward Legacy and she didn’t move away when he slipped his hand into hers. Leaning down, he whispered something in her ear and whatever he said made her back away with him. Zyacus stepped up beside me, and Kyan didn’t break eye contact with Senica.
“You won’t always be so protected, Princess,” he said, his eyes flashing red. “Once I want something, I get it.” Then he was gone. He’d literally moved so fast he’d become a blur.
I’d suspected before but those eyes proved it. I felt the color drain from my face.
With a scowl, Zyacus asked, “Who was that?”
I wasn’t sure if he was asking Kyan or me. “I don’t know.”
Kyan looked Zyacus up and down. “He’s a bastard that needs to be taught a lesson in manners. I’m Kyan.” He stuck out his hand.
“I know. Aric told me.” Zyacus didn’t accept his offer. Then he turned to me. “Will you come have a walk with me?” When I didn’t immediately answer, he added, “Please.”
“It’s getting late anyway.” I tried to muster a smile at Kyan but I wasn’t sure about him. He did protect me. I didn’t feel that evil blackness from him like I did with Senica so maybe my worries were unwarranted. “It’s been... mostly fun, Kyan. Thank you.”
Kyan took hold of my fingers and kissed the top of my knuckles. When his lips touched my skin I felt a pulse shoot up my arm and go through my body. It felt like magic but I didn’t know for sure. What was that?
He stood erect. “I can walk you back if you’re not comfortable—”